Cheap, like a little bird!!

kiwipete · #1 (**permalink**) 27-07-2004, 06:12 PM

Hello Y'all,

i would just like some help with a computer!

Since my laptop got chucked across the classroom, ive been needing a new pc. finally my parents have said they have found a new computer in their (limited) price range, and i just wanted to know if the prossecor was any good.

form what ive read it seem quite good but i thought id let the experts decide!!

heres what it says= Base unit with 3600pro processor (core speed 1800Mhz), Black Standard Midi, 128M DDR Memory, 40Gb 7200rpm Hard Drive, 52x CDROM,

and the spec sheet=
Memory= 128M DDR memory
Hard Drive= 40Gb 7200rpm Hard Drive
Optical 1= 52 speed CDROM drive
Warranty= 12 month standard return to base warranty
Case= Midi Tower ATX
Motherboard= KOB KM266FDMx-L
Chipset= VIA CLE266/8235
Frontside Bus= 200/266
Memory= 2 slots for 184-pin DDR266
AGP= 4x AGP Slot
PCI= 2 PCI slots
USB= 4 USB2.0 ports (2 on front of case)
IDE= 2 channels
Audio= Onboard stereo sound
Network= Onboard 10/100M RJ45 Ethernet (broadband ready)
Additional= The processor on this board is not upgradeable

Cheers for any response

Pete

DJNafey · #2 (**permalink**) 27-07-2004, 07:11 PM

Hmmm, bit of a funny one that

Says that the processor can't be upgraded - so the motherboard is max'd out at 1800MHz (true clock speed). Yet it's a brand new system (I assume because it has 12mths warranty) ?

Also says that there's a 4x AGP slot for the graphics card, which is fine, but it doesn't say there's any graphics card actually fitted in the slot!?!

Does it come with Windows and software or can you deal with that side yourself?

I have to be honest and say that I don't know what a "3600pro" processor is (doesn't sound like Intel or AMD) ..... but, in any case, ignore the "3600" number that they magic'd up from goodness knows where - the main thing is that it says "core speed 1800MHz". If you're on a budget, then that should be absolutely fine for whatever you expect it to do.

The only thing that I would say would be a bit disappointing in this system is that it only has 128Mb RAM - this will be fine for Windows 98 / 98SE with the latest updates such as IE6, Media Player 9, etc but I would want at least 256Mb RAM from a new system if I expected it to do a fair job of running Windows 2000 or XP.

Hope that's useful advice - let us know if we can help any more ...... and welcome to D-A-L.com

kiwipete · #3 (**permalink**) 28-07-2004, 10:39 AM

Thanks for the reply,

the os i was going to install on the computer was windows 2000 proffesional, but as it wont work with the amount of ram i have, can you tell me how much more i can add, what type to buy and more importanly, HOW to do it

ta,
pete

Gabriel · #4 (**permalink**) 28-07-2004, 11:59 AM

Hi Pete,

That's a strange looking spec. sheet! I agree with nafey though, looks ok but you'll need more memory...given you already have one strip of 128 DDR RAM and 2 memory slots that should leave you with one free slot for an upgrade.

A few things to bear in mind when upgrading memory though...

You need to get the right stuff! - it looks like you already have one 184-pin strip of 128 DDR266 RAM or PC2100 you probably need a similar or matching strip although this doesn't necessarily have to be the of the same value. You could probably get a 256, 512 or even a 1024 strip!! Beware though - Your motherboard will only support a maximum amount of memory so the best thing to do would check the manual and then visit a memory upgrade site like www.crucial.com which as long as you know your motherboard details, will take you through it step by step.

Although installing the memory is dead easy it will probably invalidate your warranty so the easiest thing to do would be to get the people your buying the pc from to upgrade the memory for your prior to purchasing it.

Hope this helps

DJNafey · #5 (**permalink**) 28-07-2004, 01:19 PM

I'll second that

256Mb is OK for a budget Win2000 system ..... but 512Mb is better. More than that si possible but it gets a bit expensive for most people.

If you're in the UK, I'd also recommend another 'memory superstore' - www.offtek.co.uk - I found them a fortnight ago and was very impressed with what I got. As Gabriel says, though, check the PC warranty - it would probably be best to get the supplier to sell you a PC with enough memory to start with (and that saves you a job)

kiwipete · #6 (**permalink**) 28-07-2004, 02:50 PM

well, it seems as its to late to argue, as my parents have just bought it for me (as a surprise!!) for £120. hopefully once ive got it , ill be able to upgrade it a bit, (with help

). and even if its not to good, i suppose its better the old 90Mhz pentium im using now!!

thank you every one who helped,
pete

DJNafey · #7 (**permalink**) 28-07-2004, 06:37 PM

Blimey! If:

a) You're used to a Pentium 90
b) It was £120

then it will seem brilliant even with 128Mb !!

Nice one

punwin · #8 (**permalink**) 14-08-2004, 04:42 PM

Hi

The 3600 is some marketing exec's (wet) dream - what you have there is a PC based on the Kobian KOB KM266FDMx-L motherboard, which has a non-removable 1800MHz AMD Duron stuck on the board.
It will take up to two sticks of 1gb DDR 266 RAM DIMM, and with suitable RAM installed will run any Windoze OS or pretty much any flavour of UNIX.
Cheap and cheerful, but quiet and should do all you want - and more! You will have fun, especially after a P-90!